Laura O'Connor
Dr Laura O’Connor is a visual artist, researcher and festival co-ordinator based in Belfast. O’Connor’s work combines performance, sculpture, installation, video and digital media to look at the representation of “women” in the media and through cultural narratives. Recent works include Cultural Methods an ongoing project researching the digital surveillance of fertility and its links to cultural narratives and the treatment of reproductive autonomy in Ireland; Uncomfortable State (2017-2019) a series of live performances, sculptural works and video installations based around abortion rights in Ireland; Jerwood Collaborate! (2019), group exhibition with Array Collective called 'As Others See Us' exploring identity in Northern Ireland that goes beyond religious binaries. O’Connor is also co-director of WANDA:Feminism and Moving Image, an organisation that exhibits moving image works by and about Womxn and works alongside industry organisations and individuals to expose inequality and underrepresentation in the film industry.
Recent exhibitions and residencies include, HUMAN, group show at 126 Gallery, Galway, 2020; Rapid Residency with Science Gallery Dublin and Provost's Academic Development Fund from Trinity College Dublin, 2020; Wish You Were Here, 2020, interactive film project with Grace Sweeney as part of Future Screens NI Rewriting the Narrative scheme. O’Connor has a PhD with practice from Ulster University (2018), MFA Ulster University (2011), BA Sculpture and Combined Media from Limerick School of Art and Design (2008). Her work has been funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Freelands Foundation and Cavan Arts Office.
Recent exhibitions and residencies include, HUMAN, group show at 126 Gallery, Galway, 2020; Rapid Residency with Science Gallery Dublin and Provost's Academic Development Fund from Trinity College Dublin, 2020; Wish You Were Here, 2020, interactive film project with Grace Sweeney as part of Future Screens NI Rewriting the Narrative scheme. O’Connor has a PhD with practice from Ulster University (2018), MFA Ulster University (2011), BA Sculpture and Combined Media from Limerick School of Art and Design (2008). Her work has been funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Freelands Foundation and Cavan Arts Office.
Cultural Methods, HUMAN Exhibition, 126 Gallery Galway, 2020
Rapid Residency research with Science Gallery Dublin, 2020
Hands of Piece, Performance, Cavan 2018, Photo, Noelle Farrelly
Uncomfortable State, Live Performance, Townhall Cavan, 2017. Photo, Carrie Lewis.
Uncomfortable State, Ballina Arts Centre, 2018
On the Internet Everybody knows you're a Girl. QSS Gallery, 2016. Photo Jon Beer